Culture, Confidence and Competence Program Practitioner

About Keepers of the Circle

Keepers of the Circle is an Indigenous Hub operated by the Temiskaming Native Women’s Support Group (TNWSG), a non-profit organization founded in 1997 to promote the economic, cultural, and social equity of Indigenous women. The TNWSG was also mandated to establish culturally based programs and services to for Indigenous women and their families in the District of Temiskaming. In 2018, the mandate extended across the province with our appointment as the Ontario representative for the Native Women’s Association of Canada. Keepers of the Circle (KOTC) programming is focused on the restoration and retention of Indigenous languages and Indigenous Traditional Knowledge; economic security and self-determination; and creating culturally safe spaces for Indigenous women and families.

About the Role

Keepers of the Circle is looking to recruit Program Practitioners to deliver and support members of the Culture, Confidence and Competence (CCC) pre-employment training program. The CCC is designed by and for Indigenous women, girls, and gender diverse people. It is a trauma-informed program offered both online and in-person and is delivered through community partnerships.

The role of the Program Practitioner is to deliver our culturally-rooted training curriculum that is focused on personal and professional development and support CCC members in creating and implementing their training plans. Working in conjunction with other Program Practitioners and Partnership Liaisons, Program Practitioners help members transition from training sessions to their desired post-training position, such as completing a work placement or pursuing further education. Program Practitioners take a wholistic, strengths-based approach in helping members develop skills for life balance and workplace success. All Program Practitioners are expected to be a mentor to their cohort members and should be eager to inspire and guide members in figuring out what works best for them.

The ideal candidate must have the ability to facilitate online or in-person by delivering a 7-to-10-week curriculum depending on the program cohort’s community and industry partners specific to the region. As our program is designed and delivered to Indigenous Peoples, the Program Practitioner must be culturally competent and have the ability to understand, appreciate, and interact effectively with people with lived experience. To be considered culturally competent, this position requires experience working with Indigenous Peoples and knowledge of our unique social issues such as colonization, generational trauma caused by the negative impacts of residential schools, and knowledge of Truth and Reconciliation.

Please note this is a contractual full-time position and has the opportunity to lead to a full-time position. Our CCC program is offered both online and in-person and therefore, travelling may be required depending on schedules and needs for in-community facilitation.

Roles and Responsibilities include:

• Delivering the CCC Pre-Employment Curriculum Program to Members either in-person or online through a live video format
• Review curriculum and prepare materials daily prior to in-group sessions
• Assist program members with the development of their Personal and Professional Development Training Plan
• Developing curriculum additions, revisions, and other educational and training materials as needed
• Working in a team environment with Indigenous People and Indigenous Elders, including co-leading group sessions to facilitate discussions related to the curriculum
• Assess member strengths and mitigate challenges as they arise through mentoring strategies, interventions, and appropriate service referrals throughout the program
• Guiding members through the exploration and understanding of their cultural identity to strengthen their personal development
• Supporting members to complete program tasks and activities, fill out forms, and communicate effectively to prepare for their professional careers
• Follow up and provide mentorship support to members post-training on an as-needed basis
• Interviewing members and employers
• Assisting members in identifying and overcoming barriers to employment
• Helping members develop motivation and skills to cope with challenges that may arise in their personal or professional life
• Providing coaching in effective job search techniques and seek out resources
• Advising on inclusion practices and workplace accommodations for people with disabilities
• Keeping records and documentation of member progress and completing appropriate reports
• Writing reference/support letters for program members post-program
• Participating in team meetings and other professional development initiatives
• Other assigned duties to support the Skills Development Team at Keepers of the Circle

Requirements and Skills

• Non-judgemental and inclusive
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and is comfortable presenting in front of a group
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to apply critical thinking to help facilitate group discussions among members
• Trauma-informed training is a plus
• Experience as job coach or mentor is a plus
• Experience working in a group within an Indigenous community setting
• Organized and efficient with time management
• Working knowledge of MS Office
• Excellent problem-solving ability
• Respect to diversity
• Ability to inspire and motivate is essential
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Comfortable with travelling to communities for 7-10 week periods at a time. Travelling may be required depending on schedules and needs for in-community facilitation.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility

We advocate for the presence and contributions of all people regardless of ability, age, cultural background, education, ethnic origin, gender expression, gender identity, immigration status, language, marital status, nationality, physical appearance, political affiliations, perspective, race, religion, sexual orientation, sexuality, family status, socioeconomic status, or other such considerations, and intersectionality's therein. As an Indigenous organization, Keepers of the Circle has an affirmative action policy that prioritizes the hiring of Indigenous Peoples and community affiliates. Please let us know of any specific requirements during the application process by emailing hr@keepersofthecircle.com – we are happy to work with you on accommodation requests.